Article

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the spatiotemporal parameters in the terminal swing phase
of the prosthetic limb in unilateral transfemoral amputees (TFAs) compared with a
group of asymptomatic subjects, and to identify a latency period (LP) in the TFA
between the full extension of the prosthetic knee and the initial ground contact
of the ipsilateral foot. To study the correlation between the LP and the duration
of the swing phase. To evaluate the influence of the type of knee, the time since
amputation, and the amputation level on the latency period. DESIGN:
Three-dimensional gait analysis with an optoelectronic device. SETTING: Gait
analysis laboratory of a re-education and functional rehabilitation service.
PARTICIPANTS: TFA (n=29) and able-bodied (n=15) subjects. INTERVENTIONS: Not
applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Spatiotemporal and kinematics gait parameters.
RESULTS: The swing phase and the LP of the prosthetic limb, associated with a
consequently longer single-limb stance phase in the intact limb, were
significantly longer than those measured in the intact limbs of these subjects,
as well as those measured on both lower limbs of the able-bodied subjects
(P<.05). There is a positive correlation (P<.05; r(2)=.58 between the LP and the
swing phase on the TFA's prosthetic side. The LP measured in the prosthetic limb
of TFA with a swing-phase control prosthetic knee is significantly greater than
in those using the microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee (P<.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Of negligible duration in able-bodied subjects and in the intact
limb of TFA, the LP is significantly greater in the prosthetic limb. It can
explain the lengthened swing phase on the prosthetic side of those subjects. The
use of a microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee allows the LP to be reduced.
This LP appears to be necessary to insure the stability of the prosthetic knee.
We suggest calling this time "confidence time."
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS